Wet Insulation In Attic

Let the insulation dry out.

Wet insulation in attic.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. If you choose to install cellulose yourself you can buy the insulation in bags from your local home improvement store. There are many signs that an attic is wet. For example it is rare to see moisture problems or ice damming on the roof of a detached garage or unheated barn.

Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value. Keep in mind that these dump fees may be more expensive when removing hazardous or asbestos containing materials. To help fiberglass insulation dry out place a dehumidifier or fan in the area. What to do about a wet attic.

If only a small area has gotten wet it may be easy to remove the damp fibers and let them dry for several days before reinstalling them. Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer. Disposal fees all dumpster rental and disposal fees should be included in your contractor s itemized quote. If possible remove the affected batts and transfer them to a warm place to dry.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Cellulose recycled ground up paper with boric acid added for insect control and fire resistance offers a better attic insulation option than batts. After all water is a conductor so wet fiberglass insulation is about as effective as no insulation at all. If you discover wet cellulose insulation in your attic walls or crawlspace you have a few options for dealing with the problem.

If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Coping with wet insulation. What to do with wet cellulose insulation.

Drying out a wet attic. Once dry return the insulation to the wall or floor cavity where it came from. For many homeowners replacing attic insulation is a great opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Prolonged wetness will rot out the roof sheathing.

Wet insulation is bad for your roof your building and its occupants. When a roof leak leads to saturated insulation that insulation almost always needs to be replaced. If you can ensure good air sealing and insulation the attic will remain cool and dry as if it were outside. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

Loss of insulating value. The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways. Small black and or greenish colored dots on insulation boxes or other materials is a sign of an exceedingly high moisture content in the air. You can also identify moisture problems in the attic by the formation of condensation on windows and glass surfaces.

Insulation sits just below the roof s membrane.